TN CM Stalin transfers Sivaganga custodial death probe to CBI amid public outrage

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday transferred the probe into the custodial death of Ajithkumar, a 25-year-old temple security guard from Tiruppuvanam in Sivaganga district, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), following public fury and opposition pressure.

Ajithkumar was allegedly tortured in police custody last week after being picked up in connection with a theft case. He later died from his injuries, sparking protests, legal petitions, and calls for accountability.

The Chief Minister personally telephoned the bereaved family, expressing regret. “I am very sorry… serious action has been taken,” Stalin told Ajithkumar’s mother in a call that was shared publicly on social media platform X.

In his message, Stalin said, “The cruelty faced by the Tiruppuvanam youth should not happen to anyone. This government will ensure punishment for those who have failed in their duty and will stand by the family.”

Legal and administrative action

The Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) took up a writ petition filed by Ajithkumar’s family and allowed a CB-CID probe to continue in parallel, appointing an Enquiry Officer to submit a preliminary report by 8 July.

Simultaneously, the state government has taken several disciplinary measures:

Five police personnel have been arrested and charged with murder.

Manamadurai DSP has been suspended.

Sivaganga SP Ashish Rawat, IPS, was placed on “compulsory wait”.

SP G Chandeesh (Ramanathapuram) will take additional charge of Sivaganga

A government release stated that once the post-mortem report, received on Monday night, confirmed significant injuries, authorities invoked murder charges without delay.

Political fallout

The incident has ignited sharp criticism from opposition parties:

AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused the CM of staging “a drama” and said the public had lost faith in the state police. He demanded a CBI investigation and held Stalin “morally responsible.”

BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthiran approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to investigate not only Ajithkumar’s death but similar incidents across the state.

PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss also called for a CBI probe.

Actor and TVK leader Vijay demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), citing unanswered questions about the handling of the case.

Civil society and court response

Human rights lawyer Henry Tiphagne, who appeared in court for the family, said a “special team” operating under the Manamadurai DSP was responsible for the torture. He welcomed the suspension and arrests, but urged continued judicial monitoring.

Government's stance

At a press briefing, CM Stalin reiterated: “Action has been taken, arrests have been effected… even senior officials have not been spared.” State Law Minister S. Reghupathy confirmed that there was “no compulsion to protect anyone.”

As pressure continues to mount, and with the case now under CBI jurisdiction, the state government faces a crucial test of transparency and justice. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how custodial deaths are investigated in India.
(With PTI inputs)